JUNE 2017 EDITION

I was walking in my backyard this morning and looked up at some of our trees.  Interestingly, I noticed that the trees where the upward growth of the trees took place had the effect of cutting off the sunlight to the lower branches. This lack of sun on the leaves seems to have caused the branches to eventually drop all its leaves, dry up, become hard and brittle and, eventually, fall off the trunk. Our yard has many hardwoods that are well over 80 or 100 feet tall. Each spring, I notice that the new growth first occurs at the top of these trees because their tops are the ones nearest the sun.

We are blessed with so many hardwoods in our yard.  They provide beauty to our lot and wonderful shade to keep our home cool in the summer.  Several years ago, however, I did have to have several hickory trees taken down because the trees shed tassels in the spring, nuts in the fall (literally eight wheelbarrows full), and the fallen leaves.  More importantly, the tree canopy blocked the sunlight from our lawn, which hindered its growth. Now our lawn is green and lush.

 After taking the trees down, we received the additional benefit of being able to plant a small vegetable garden.  We have already harvested many cucumbers and I am watching each day for my first vine-ripened tomato. As soon as it has fully ripened, I will bring it into the house and prepare what may be the most satisfying meal….the homegrown tomato sandwich. It is made with white bread (only white bread, not wheat, rye, or any other healthy type of bread), a large dollop of mayonnaise, and a generous portion of salt and pepper, accompanied by a large glass of ice cold sweet milk, as we say in the south (definitely not skim, 1%, almond or coconut milk).  Is there a finer gastronomic delight in all the world, I ask you!  But I digress…

Isn’t our Christian life a little like the growth of a tree?  If we cut ourselves off from the Sonlight of Christ’s presence and love by activities that seem to overshadow our spiritual life, don’t we cause our growth to start to wither, grow hard and brittle and eventually be separated from the life-giving power of being connected to the trunk (or vine)?  It is true that the pruning process of removing these dead branches assist in the growth of the entire tree. 

As long as we realize that there are areas of our lives that are being cut off from our life in the Son, we can make adjustments.

 I find that even areas where growth is taking place, there may need to be some pruning to promote even greater growth.  I have found this to be true with our azaleas and hydrangeas.

Are there areas in your life where Sonlight cannot penetrate? Are you too preoccupied with activities, while worthwhile, distract you from cultivating a growing relationship with the One who both gave you life and gives you life more abundantly. I ask myself, “Are there areas in my life that need pruning?”

I realize that the tree analogy may not be a perfect one but it is my desire, by way of illustration, that we and I do mean “We”, strive to keep ourselves in the light of His presence so that we continue to grow ever closer to the Son.

Blessings to you, my dear friends, for your love, support and encouragement.